Spring-tire for vehicle-wheels.



No. 707,I69. Patented Aug. I9', IB02. H. C. SHEARM'AN. SPRING TIRE EUR VEHICLE WHEELS.

(Application led Aug. 5, 1896.)

2 sheets-sheet I.

(NofMndel.)

ma muws vifzns co. mom-urna. wumcrrou, n.

No. V70u69. Patented Aug. I9, |902. H. c. ySAHEMNIAN.

SPRING 4TIRE FORLVE'HIGLE WHEELS.

(-Applictian me@ Aug. y5, 189e.) l

' y 2 Sheets-Sheet 2, y

sws

OFFICE;

SPECIFICATIoNf'mingpart of Letters Patent No. 707,169, daten Angustia 1902.

.Application led August 5, 1896.

T0 all whom/,ttimai/ponccn:

Be it known nia'pignnm Limmen-EAR- MAN, of the cityand county of Providence and State of Rhinle"Island,I have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin'Spring-Tires -for Bicycle and VehicularrWheels, of lwhich the following is a specification. v

My invention consists ofa tubular springtire composed pf oneormore series of steel or other spring bands bent'infvcirc ular or other form and so arranged as to, lap joints at edges and so attached to one another as to form a continuous open o'rfclose` tubular spring-tire of individual spring-bands mutually supporting one f another yor a tubular spring-tire with telefscopingV ends, which are provided witli'a devicefor drawing and retaining said endstogeth'er and also firmly securing tire and cover to'rim of bicycle or other class of wheel. The said tubular springtire is adapted for the use of a pneumatic tube at discretion.; and my'inve'ntion further consists in providing aV cover, aytread-band, permanent or detachable or one permanent and one detachable,I anda `means for preventing tread-band or cover from slipping on said tire or being severed by transverse cuts; and my invention further consists in providing suitable means for-adapting a rim offav wheel forthereception and retention of said tubular spring-tire and cover, all substantially as hereinafter described. l The object of my invention is to provide'a substitute for the ordinary pneumatic tire by producing a tubular spring-tire of springbands y of suitable material which cani be made to have more resiliency than the ordinary pneumatictire by vthe use ofa pneu-f` matie tube without the objectionable feature. of liability of puncture, and which tubular spring-tire can be used without a pneumatic tube, although the air-pressure within the tire will serve to tighten the springs and add much to their resiliency. As my invention is not confined to bicycle use, but includes user on heavy as well as light vehicular wheels, I provide a means of using light spring-bands for heavy wheels by using a band along the tread-circumference of said tire to distribute the strain to each spring of the tubular tire. By using an elastic iiexible or rigid tread-band thel distribution of 'gear shaft.

Serial No. 601,746. (No model.)

strain canbe varied,v to sui-tithe conditions of use. As thelconditions surrounding the use of the bicycle andintermediate wheels to that of a heavy. draft-wheel varyexceedf ingly, I make Iuse offvarying expedients to adapt the tubular spring-'tire to its'idifferent uses. As the use of the bicycle necessitates a shifting tread-surface of tire, greatresiliency, and a jolt-absorbing cover, I retain a rounded outline, together with a pneumatic tube andilexible E )rvelastic4 cover.v For light and heavy wheels, two of jwhichftravel on same axle, presenting ,sa'metread surface vto roadY contact, Iprovide a ytireflwi'th,s tiier springsrwhich ,Y may be reinforced by one or more series of l leaves', andl provide means for varying tledistribution of Weight and strain to all of the springs by incurving the springs at the tread-circumference, which incurving has these advantages: it stiffensthe springs at tread, itfurnishes a firm-support for tread-band whether flexible or rigid, it lessenslateral motion', it gives additional springing quality to the spring-bands, it furnishes a grip onV tread-band or cover at time and place most desirable, it prevents cutting through of tread-band or cover, or, if it were possible to cut it through transversely, it would by its tight grip prevent the cut widening and so ruining the eoverwhen the wheel is speeded to its utmost, it furnishes the 'r 'means for using a detachable tread-band which will take the wear, and tear of road contact, and. it enables arcontinuous cover open at tread-circumference to be used with the tubular spring-tire provided with the bevel-gear device, which device enables the tire to be readily adjusted to and removed from the rim of the wheel, and also firmly secures tire and cover to the rim of wheel and prevents creeping of tire or cover either laterally or longitudinally. n s

Description of Drawings.

Figure l represents a cross-section of telescoping end of tubular spring-tire in place on rim of wheel through center of bevel-gear boxing at line l 2, Fig.' 2, showing pneumatic tube with valve-stem passing through thumb- Fig. -2 is a longitudinal sectional view of close tire (with pneumatic tube omitted) attached to rim of wheel at line 3 4, Fig.

IOO

i I A 1, showing method of attaching ends of tire and securing tire to rim of wheel. Fig. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of telescoping end of close tire with part of cover cut away. Fig. 4 is a perspective View of open tire, showing arrangement of spring-bands and threaded ends of assembling rim-bands. Fig. 5 is a section of close tire in place on rim, showing a recurvature of spring-bands along tread-circumference to retain a treadband, and dotted lines show a difference in method of making tread-band a part of cover and detachable from it. It also shows a groove along the center of rim-bed to preven t lateral movement of tire on rim. Fig. 6 shows a view of bevel-gearing from above, the top plate of boxing being removed. Fig. 7 shows an under perspective view of the detachable nut which engages the threaded shaft of' bevel-gears in an open tire and is dovetailed onto the extension-arms of end plates. Fig. 8 shows an under perspective View of the end plates,bearing extension guiding-armsof open tire, showing method of attachment to ends. of assembling rim-bands and engagement with detachable nut. Fig. 9 shows a section of rim of wheel provided with two grooves for the reception of the edges of open tire, together with open tire and cover in place on said rim. Fig. 10 represents the surface of a fragmental strip of the material of which the springs of the tire are formed, showing the method of producing a shouldered portion on either or both edges of strip, the dotted lines 5 5 and 6 6 indicating points at which severance can be effected to produce individual springs possessing this feature. Fig. 11 represents a fiexible cylinder formed of inter- `locking loops of a single band with the coil separated to show the method of overlapping alternate loops by intermediate ones to form two series. Fig. 12 represents a flexible cyl inder formed of interlocking annular bands, which may be portions 5 5 or 6 of Fig. 10, with united ends. It illustrates the method of interlocking a series of annularsprings by causing alternate springs to overlap intermediate ones and forni two series, and by a recurvature of the springs in the same direction at their narrow portion shows their adapt-ability to grasp an assembling-band. Fig. 13 represents an interior view of a flexible cylinder formed of a series of' individual springs (portion 5 5 of Fig. 10) with ends curved and attached to an assembling-band. It shows the interlocking and overlapping and the abutting of springs along the assembling-band. Fig. 14 represents a cross-section of the tire shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 at a point beyond adjustable end plate. Fig. 15 represents a perspective view of a segmental portion of tread-band Q, forming a cushionpacking of spring-leaf. Fig. 16 representsa cross-sectional perspective view of lining springs or leaves of tread-band (portion 6 of Fig. 10) in place and shows one abutting Series along the tongue and two series overlapping elsewhere. Fig. 17 representsa side view of a segment of tire, showing telescoping inner circular band. Fig. 18 represents a cross-section of an 'open tire, both outer and inner bands being of circular form with layer of flexible and elastic material between.

In the drawings, a represents the outer and a the inner` spring-band, while c2 is the telescoping spring-band at end of tire. Y

B is the wheel-rim, and b is the iiexihle packing between series d and ed.

c is the covering of the tubular spring-tire.

d is the assembling rim-band, on which the springs are assembled.

c is the nut engaging the bevel-gearing, which nut is made in same piece with the guiding extension end plate of the assembling rim-band in the close tire and detachable from it in the open tire by means of dovetailing s s.

fis the threaded shaft of bevel-gearing` which engages the nut c and is operated by turning thumb-piece n., which is slotted and shouldered onto h, the hollow perpendicular shaft of bevel-gearing, and is held in place by m, a set-screw. The bevel-gearing is housed on all sides by boxing t, which furnishes a bearing for gear and shafts, and is made separable from rim and tire and is held in place on the rim B by being sunk slightly below level of groove or grooves in the bed of rim and through which rim the hollow perpendicular shaft 7i, of gearing passes.

gis the valve-stem ofj, the pneumatic tube, and Z its cap.

o oare the guiding-arms to which thespring bands intercepted by the boxing 't `are attached and which support and guide the springs between boxing t and rim B and are held firmly in position by overlapping sides` of top of gear-boxing t.

p, as shown in Fig. 5, is a series of reinforcing springs or leaves at rim and tread circumference of tire. I

q q q2 represent boundaries of the treadband, which may oe a part ofcover or detach able from both cover and tire and may be used to hold the edges of tire-cover opening at tread-circumference in place between 'U o, the throat of the recurved recess.

d d are the grooves in rim for the reception of d d, the assembling rim-bands of open tire, together with cover, and cl2 the groove on rim for assembling-band of' close tire and cover.

Detailed Description of Invent/012.

The springs d and d may have their ends fastened together, forming individual annular bands, or attached to a longitudinal assembling-band at either tread or rim circumference of tire, forming a close tire. In case of an open tire each end is attached to aseparate assembling-band. The spring-bands may be circular in form or bent in any desirable shape.

ICO

IIO

bound about the tire.

Vor/,16a

I prefer to make the tubular spring-tire separable in all its parts, and to accomplish that result in case of a close tire I bend the spring-bands to form a recess which may open either within or without along either rim or tread circumference or both rim and tread may be so provided. This recess along the interior forms a projection on exterior, and vice versa. making its interior wider than its mouth or throat,lthus providing a firm bearing for the rim and tread bands on each spring of the tubular tire. In Fig. 4 the assembling rimbands pass through the turned-over ends of the springs, thus making the springs easily separable. The spring-bands may have parallel edges, or their edges may be curved to allow of adjacent ones being in approximate contact throughout theirentire length. They may overlap in same series or be overlapped j by bands of another series or in any other suitable way. They may have a piece cut out near line of contact with assemblingband, forming a shoulder on either edge, allowing all alternate springs yto form a series of springs edge to edge, their edges covered by the intermediate springs, the shoulder preventing the tendencyof the springs to move in pairs. Besides having a curved edge the springbands may have their surface swaged into curvatures to correspond to the natural curvatures of the tire. To further stien the springs and increase the resiliency of the tire,

a layer of suitable flexible material may be placed between two series of springs or firmly l The material may consist of a textile fabric, strands of fiber, or wire running longitudinally around vthe tire at the tread, or the material may completely surround the tire and be provided with a waterproof coating.

The ends of the tire may be permanently united or left to telescopewithin a continu` ous cover. I prefer to provide the bevel-gear screws shown in Figs. l, 2, 3, engaging the nut e, Figs. 2, 3, 7, previously described. This device is made separable from both rim and tire, although it may be permanently attached to either. The perpendicular shaft may be made hollow or solidand may be turned by thumbpiece or wrench. There may be a loose bevel-gear on top plate of boxing to steady the gearing. The boxing may be placed within the ends of tire or otherwise than as shown in drawings.V The ends of tire on being drawn together may be fastened at tread by a screw or other device, ifl desired. The telescoping spring-band may be a', passing within a of opposite end, or it may be a2, slitted along edge of a and turned inward and longitudinally outward to engage within d of opposite end of tire, as shown in Fig. 2. The slitting may be carried to either edge of a2, if desired, the object being to retain the springing quality as much as possible.' The springs are kept ysecurely in place by the end plate or plates, to which. are attached arms I prefer to recurve said recess,`

vo o and nut e and which are screwed or otherwise fastened to -assembling rimband` or bands.

The open tire (represented infFigrt) is de-y signed to in'close a continuous pneumatic tube, the valve stem of whichy may' pass through the rim of wheel at any desired spot. pass through the hollow I preferit should thumb-shaft.

The closeV tire, Figs. l, 2,l 3, may be used with pneumatic tuber sealed at both ends.v

I prefer saine disposition of valve-stem.

The tire'represented in section, `Fig.'5, is designed for 'use without a pneumatic tube,

or for wheels sustaining a greater weight than bicycle-wheels, or where tread contact with road-bed is uniform, or where motive` power' is applied to wheel or tire. It illustrates the features of a recurved recess along thetreadcircumference of tire, whereby a tread-band of elastic, flexible, or rigid material can be used to 'distribute the strain on tire in contact with road to all the springscomposing the tire. This distribution depending in de'- vgrec on the material l of tread-band said material maybe varied to suit conditions. The recess along the tread will allow of tread-band being detachable from tire, and `its recurvature'will cause its throat at 'u c to contract about the detachable tread-band'at time and place of contact with road. this fact by making tread-band a part of the tire-cover or as a means of holding vedges of cover in place when cover is open along treadcircumference byacting as a packing between I make use ofY IOC them and by extending the edges of detachable tread-band laterally allow the tread-band,

to take all the Wear and tear'of road contact, thus protectingthe tire-cover. l

The tire-cover may conform tothe curves of the outer surface of the tubular'spring-tire and have a varying thickness of material and suitable surface outline when covering recesses or'projections alongthe rimv and tread circumferences, and the said cover may curl' around the rim-bands or the-throat ofthe ref,

I LO

curved recess when open along the tread or rim circumference, and it may have a suitel able thickened shoulder at ends when the bevel-gear device is used, which shoulder may be formed about a spring-band'to hold'they ends firmly in place over the slight shoulder of the telescoping bands. f

The edges of the open tire covered by those of its cover may abut together in the central groove in rim of Wheel, which is made for the projecting tongueof the close tire along its rim-circumference, or` said edges may with those of cover have a separate groove for eacli ,4

the valve-stem and thumb-piece shaft heremy invention is to provide a sectional tire of readily-removable springs the springs may consist of simple bands of homogeneous materialor of segmental portions of the tire composed of a union of adjacent and opposite bands or of such bands with a iiexible and elastic material between, forminga compound spring of differing material possessing the requisite springing quality and such features of the simple spring-bands as relate to their attachment overlapping and abutting.

What I claim as my invention, and what I wish to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In combination, awheel-rim having one central or two parallel grooves along its bed; a depression or well sunk below the surface of said bed of rim with an opening passing through the center of said depression; a tubular-tire or pneumatic-tube cover; and a boxing, occupying said depression or well in said rim, having a perpendicular shaft passing through said opening, said shaft having a bevelgear head gearing with two bevelgear-headed screws, threaded alike, passing through opposite sides of boxing for the purpose of closing the telescoping ends of the tire or pneumatic-tube cover with which ends said `screws engage, substantially as described.

2. A flexible outer cover for a tubularspring-tire or pneumatic-tire tube with ends, having the same outer periphery, provided with inwardly-projecting and transverselyextending shoulders forming iianges adapted to abut continuously together without overlapping, substantially as shown and described.

3. A fiexible outer cover for a tubularspring-tire or pneumatic-tire tube with ends, having the same outer periphery provided with inwardly-projecting and transverselyextending shoulders forming flanges adapted to abut continuously together having embedded in, or made integral with, each of said ends a transverse band of spring-wire or suitable non-stretching material, substantially as described.

4. In combination with a detachable tubular spring-tire constructed of bands of spring material, a cover with its ends having the saine outer periphery, adapted' to abut together continuouslyovera telescoping springband, made an integral part of one end of the tire, to guide the opposite end of the tirecover to its place of continuous abutting contact transversely over said telescoping springband when the tire' is adjusted onto the rim of a wheel, and provided with suitable means for closing and fastening the same while on the rim of a wheel, substantially as described.

5. In combination with a tubular spring or other tire or iiexible outer cover for a pneumatic-tire tube with free ends, having the same periphery, a rim retaining band, or bands, extending around the longitudinal circumference of tire provided with a flexible band with ends secured at an extremity of said retaining band, or bands, and extending matic-tire tube with free ends, having the same outer periphery, a rim-retaining band, 'or bands, extending around the longitudinal vcircumference of tire, provided with a fiexible band attached to each extremity ot' said retaining band, or bands, one being of such larger dimensions as to allow the other transverse band to telescope within it, and the ends of said tire, or cover, to which said ends of retaining band, or bands, together with their transverse bands are secured, to abut continuously over the aforesaid telescoping band, substantially as described.

7. In combination with a tubular spring or other tire, or ilexible outer cover for a pneumatic-tire tube with free ends, having the saine outer periphery, a rim-retaining band, or bands, extending longitudinally around said tire, provided with adjusting end plates screwed, or otherwise fastened, to the ends of said retaining band, or bands, to regulate its length; which end plates are provided with a iiexible band conforming to the transverse curve of ends of tire, or tire-cover, one of which transverse bands being of such lesser diameter as to allow it to telescope within the other and the free ends of tire, or tire-cover, with same outer periphery to which said transverse bands are secured to abut continuously over the said telescoping band; said end plates being furnished with any suitable device to secure them together, substantially as described.

8. In a pneumatic tire, the combination of an outer iiexible cover having free ends of the same outer periphery adapted to abut over a iiexible transverse band attached to, or an integral part of, one end of cover; a longitudinallyextending rim retaining band, or bands, with ends secured to ends of said outer cover; an in liatable inner tube; and suitable means for securing the ends of said retainingband together, substantially as described.

9. A {iexible or hollow tire with ends adapted to telescope together by abutting over or under a telescoping spring-band, and provided with a bevel-gear device consisting oi' a bevelgear shaft gearing with two bevel-gearheaded screws which engage with the ends of the tire for the purpose of drawing and holding the ends together, substantially as described.

10. A tubular spring-tire constructed of bands of spring metal, or other suitable Inaterial, attached to an assembling rini band, or

ICO

structed of two series of separate spring-` another; the ends ot' the spring-bands being` attached to separate assembling rim-bands with their edges abutting along said `asse1n bling rim-bands in each series to form a tire continuously open along its rim-circumference, substantially as described.

20. In a tubular spring-tire, a series of spring bands, or loops, with their edges abutting` along the lesser rim-circumference o f tire but overlapping edges along the transverse curve of tire-due to the Width of each spring, or loop, being less at the place of their abutting contact with adjacent ones along the rim-circumference of tire than the remaining wider and shouldered portion of each spring, or loop; Vwhich overlapping of shouldered portion may extend sulciently to cause the edges of alternate springs to ap- Y proximately meet and form two series elsewhere than at place of abutting contact along the rim-circumference of tire, substantially as'described.

21. A tubular spring-tire constructed of a series of spring bands, or loops, of metal or other suitable material, of circular or other form, attached to an assembling band, or bands,in such manner that said spring bands, or loops,abut along the said assembling band, or bands, but overlap edges along the transverse curve of tire-due to the width of each spring baud, or loop, being less at place of attachment to said assembling band,or bands, than the remaining shouldered portion of each spring band,`or loop, substantially as described.

22. A tubular spring-tire consisting of a series of springbands of metal, or other suitable material, ot' circular or other form attached to an assembling band or bands in such manner that said spring-bands abut along the said assembling bandor bands but overlap edges along the transverse curve of tire-due to the width of each spring being less at place of attachment to said assembling band or bands than the remaining shouldered portion of each spring; which overlapping may extend sufliciently to cause the edges ot alternate springs to approximately meet and form a series overlapped by intermediate springs elsewhere than at place of attachment to said assembling band or bands, substan tiall7 as described.

23. A tubular spring-tire consisting of a series of spring bands, or loops, of metal or other suitable material, of circular or other form, attached to an assembling band, or bands, by such a curvature of the springs, or loops, as will cause them to firmly clasp said assembling band, or bands, and secure such an interlocking of individual springs by means of each springI abutting against adjacent ones along the said assembling band, or bands, but overlapping edges along the transverse curve of tire-due tothe width of each spring, or loop, being less at place of attachment to said assembling'band, or bands, than the remaining shouldered portion of each spring, or loop; together with an adjusting end plate screwed or otherwise fastened to `the ends of said assembling-band to regulate its length and secure the abuttingcoutact of the spring-bands, substantially as described. 24. A tubular spring-tireconsisting of a series of spring bands, or loops, of metal or other suitable material, of circular or other form, removably attached to an assembling band, or bands, bysuch a curvature of the springs, or loops, as will cause them to firmly clasp said assembling band, or bands, and secure such an interlocking of individual springs, or loops, by means of each spring, or loop, abutting against adjacent ones along the assembling band, or bands, but overlapping edges along the transverse curve of tiredue to the width ofeach spring, or loop, being less at place ot" attach ment to said assembling band, or bands, than the remaining shouldered portion of each spring, or loop; which overlapping of shouldered portion may extendsuiiiciently to cause the edges of alternate springs to approximately meet and form two series of springs elsewhere than at place of attachment to said assembling band, or bands, substantially as described.`

25. In a tubular spring-tire, the combination of one or more series of springs with two assembling-bands; the springs to be removably attached to said assembling-bands by curving the ends of each spring so that they will rmlyclasp, byapproximately su rrou nding, said assembling-bands and allow each spring of a series to be moved along said assembling-bands in its attachment to, and removal from, them, substantially as described. 2b'. In a tubular spring-tire, the combination of two overlapping series of springs with two assembling-bands; the springs to be re'- movably attached to said assembling-bands by curving the ends of each spring so that they will tirmly clasp, by approximately sur.- rounding, said assembling-bands and allow each spring of a series to be moved along said assembling-bands in its attachment to, and removal from, them, substantially as described.

27. In a tubular spring-tire, the combination of one or more series of springs withan assembling-band; thesprings to be removably attached to said assembling-band by a recurvature of the springs at the place of attachment enabling them to partially surround and firmly clasp it, and allow said tire'to be adjustedto and removed from the rim of a wheel without disturbing the attachment of springs to their assembling-band, substantially as described.

28. In a tubularspring-tire closed along its r1 m-circumference, the combination of one IOG IIO

Vzo

orV more series of` springs, or spring-loops,\ with one assembling-band; the springs to be' removably attached to said assembling-band by a recurvature of the-springs at the place of attachment enablingthem topartially'surround andrmly claspit,"and allow said tire yto be adjusted `to and removed from the rim" of a wheel` without disturbing the attachment of springs to their l' assembling-band, substantially as'described.

29. ,Ina tubular `sprin tire, the combination of an assembling band, or bands, on which the removabley springs ot' a tire are assembled, together with an end plate screwed, or otherwise adjustably fastened, to each end ofthe assembling band, or bands,I to secure the abutting contact of the springs along the said assembling band, or bands, substantially as described.

30. In a tubular spring-tire, or covering for a pneumatic-tire tube composed of overlapping sections, a tubular spring or section of said tire or coveringprovided with one or two recesses formed by curvaturesiu its material such as will enable it to Vfirmly clasp an assembling band, or bandsgthe width of material being less at said curvature than remain-v ing portion of said spring or section-due to the removal of material along one or `both edges to form a shoulder, substantially as, and for the purposes described.

3l. A tubular spring-tire constructed of two vor more series of ,spring bands, or loops, havingva layer of suitable yflexible material between two series of said -bands or loops of said tire; which material may be confined to the tread-circumference of tire or extend laterally` around it,substan`tally as, and for the ping transversely elsewhere, substantially as' shown and described.

33., In a tubular spring-tire,'orcovering for a pneumatic-tire tube,lm'ade up of adjustable parts, a segmental portion of said tire or covering consisting of an outer and an inner transverse band with a layer of flexible and lelastic material between, an edge or edges of either vband of said segmental portion projecting beyond edge or edgesof other band to form a telescoping b and adapted to lap the` edge of anadjacent segment, substantially as shown and described.

` 34. In combination with a tubular spring or` other tire having a recurved recess along the tread-circumference of saidr tire, a cover with i edges calculated to turnv into and hug: the

sides of the said recurved recess, a tread-bandV having laterally-extendingwings lapping over `approximate edges of cover, said tread-band to be separable from said cover and calcushown and described;

latedto hold said edges of cover firmly ini place `in the recurvedv recess along tread-cirl cum feren ce of. tire and also to ikeep the vrwear'4 and tear of road fromsaid'cover, substantially other tire having a recess alongits tread-cir` cumference,ta cover consistinglof .two'fseparate longitudinal parts;the outeredges of which arev calculated Vto turn into'andhug the sides of` the `said recess', the flanking portions of cover'extending to any desired limit, together with a tread-band occupying the space between the approximateout'er edges of'cover within said recess to hold themn place,isub stantially as described.h 3

37. In com binationw'itha tubular spring or other tire or covering for a pneumatic tube havin gits outer transverse unbroken conto-ur recu rved to lform a recess or groove longit'udif nally `extending along its tread, which recess or groove shall have itsside wall'srecurved to form a throat at tread narrowerthan' interior of said recess or groove, at tread-band,

occupying such recess or groove and firmly" `clasped by its'walls, with laterally-extending wings which hug `the curves of said tire both4 laterally and longitudinally and vwhich may extend laterally to anydesirable extent-even.

IOO

to meetingbelow said tire, substantially las 38. In combination with a detachabletread.-l band, a tubular spring-tire constructedof onel or more series of independently-acting and overlapping springs attached along the smaller longitudinal circumference of'tiejto a rim-retaining band, or'bands,'calcula'ted to bind the springs `of the tire 'to the rimof' al IIoA wheelgsaid tire having a'U-shape'd"'rece'ssl` along its tread-circumference `with its'side' AWalls formed by such' arecurvature inthe body of each spring as to producea throatat {tread narrower than Athe interior of 'said"re'.` cess to adapt it tojhol'd 'securelyfin place-by n ,lateral or longitudinal 4pressure said' detach--" able ktread-band, substantiallyas describedg:

39. Incombination lwith a tubular spring,v

or other, tire having a recess along itstreadr circumference so recurved in sectional out`v y line as'to form a throat at treadnarrower than theinterior of sairil.recess',ay cover con-y tinuously open along the'trea'd toadmit of the; iinsertion of the tire, andv withi'ts freeedge's calculated to turn into andoccllDY'Said rei cess, substantially as described'. 1

IIS v 40. Atireconstructedofone' ormoreseries 4 i Vof independently -acting and overlapping? springs attached along the smaller longitudinal circumference of tirev toa rim-retaining band, or bands, calculated to bindthe springs' of the tire to the rim of' a Wheeljsaid 'tire Y' having a U-shaped recess along its tread-circumferen ce with its side Walls formed by such a recurvature in the body of each spring as to produce a throat at tread narrower than the interior of said recess, substantially as and for the purposes described.

4l. In combination withv an inner pneumatic tube, a tubular spring-tire constructed of two series of independently-acting springs so arranged and attached to an assembling rim band, or bands, that the edges of the springs of a series are overlapped by the springs of the same or the other series; the springs of the outer series being so incurved and recurved at the tread of the com plete tire as to form a continuous S-shaped recess along the tread-circumference of tire; the springs of theinner series not beingrecurved at the tread but calculated to confine the pressure of the inner pneumatic tube and allow the recurved recess of the outer series to perform its peculiar functions apart from, and independently of, any pressure derived from the inner pneumatic tube, substantially as described.

42. In combination, a tubular spring-tire constructed of independently-acting springs attached to a retaining band, or bands, calculated to bind the tire to the rim of awheel, said tire having a recess along the tread-cir cumference formed by such a recurvature in the body of each spring as to form a throat at tread narrower than the interior of said recess; an inner flexible but non-stretchable membrane, of circular transverse section, attached to said rim-retaining band, or bands, together with an inner inflatable pneumatic tube, substantially as described.

43. In combination with a tubular spring, or other flexible and elastic,tire or outer cover for an inner pneumatic-tire tube, having a S-shaped recess along its tread-circumt`er ence formed bya depression or groove in the material of said tire or outer cover, which recess by a recurvature of its side Walls has a throat at tread narrower than the interior of said recess; a detachable tread-band occupying said recess with laterally-extending wings which hug the curves of said tire both laterally and longitudinally,which wings may extend to any desirable extent around the transverse curve of tire, substantially as described.

44. A tubular spring or other tire or covering for a pneumatic-tire tube having its outer transverse unbroken contour recurved to form a recess or groove longitudinally extending along its tread, which recess or groove shall have its side Walls recurved to form a throat at tread narrower than interior of said recess, substantially as shown and described.

45. In a tubular spring-tire, or covering for a pneumatic-tire tube made up of adjustable parts, a spring or segmental portion of said tire or covering having its outer transverse unbroken contour recurved to form a recess or groove longitudinally extending along its vor/,16e

tread, which recess or groove shall have its side Walls recurved to 'form a throat at tread narrower than interior of said recess, substantially as shown and described.

40. A detachable tread-band or tire-cover having an inwardly-projecting longitudinal U-shaped tongue with recurved sides caused by a thickening of its solid material along its inner or lesser longitudinal periphery, and laterally-extending wings which following a curve in section may extend sufficiently to meet and form a cover open along its inner longitudinal circumference, substantially as, and for the purposes described.

47. In a sectional cover, for a tubular spring or other tire, provided with an inwardly-projecting longitudinal tongue with recurved sides caused by a thickening of its solid material along its inner or lesser longitudinal periphery and laterally extending Wings which following a curve in section may extend sufliciently to meet, a section comprising a longitudinal hall:` of said cover, substantially as shown and described.

48. The combination of a detachable treadband, or tirecover, having an inwardly-projecting longitudinal tongue, with a thickened periphery along its inner tread-circumference, and a series of transverse spring bands or leaves curved Ato clasp said tongue with edges abutting along said tongue but owing to a lesser width at abutting middle portion of each spring the remaining shouldered portions are caused to overlap edges of adjacent springs or leaves forming a flexible springlining to the inner surface of said tread-band or cover, substantially as described.

49. The combination ot' a tread-band, or tire-cover,providedwithalongitudinaltongue inwardly projecting from its inner tread-circumference and one or more series of laterally-extending springs or spring-leaves adjusrably attached to said tongue by means of a recurvature in the body of each spring enabling it to firmly clasp said tongue and allow of an interplay of the ends ot' springs either laterally or longitudinally, substantially as described.

50. A detachable, puncture-proof treadband composed of one or more series ot' spring-leaves having a recurved recess at their middle portion occupied by the recurved inwardly-projecting tongue of its cushion-packing which is made integral with or detachable from it, substantially as shown and described.

5l. In a detachable, sectional tread-band provided with laterally-extending Wings and a recurved inwardly-projecting longitudinal tongue, the combination of a segmental portion of said tread-band with a recurved springleaf, made integral with it or detachable from it, to form a puncture-proof section; Which spring-leaf may project longitudinally if desired, to adapt it to overlap au adjacent section, substantially as shown and described.

rI Wo or more series of transverse spring- IOO IIO

leaveswith edges abutting in each series but overlapped by spring-'leaves of another series, each spring-leaf being provided with a recurvature in its middle portion such as to enable it to clasp firmly-abutting springs of overlapping series and form a iiexible, sectional, puncture-proof tread-band, substantially as described.` f

'53. A seriesof transverse spring-leaves provided with a recurvature in their middle portion such as to allow edges of adjacent springs to abut along such lrecurvature but, owing to a lesser width at such abutting recurved middle portion of each spring-leaf, the remaining shouldered portions are caused to overlap edges of adjacent spring-leaves forming a flexible sectional puncture-proof tread-band, substantially as shown and de-y i other tire', provided with an outwardly-proscribed. y

54:. Spring-leaves having a recurved recess at their middleconvex, or concave, portion capable of claspingthetongue of a tread-v band, or r'imband, which recurved middle portion is of lesser wid-th than the remaining shouldered portion to permit edges of adjacent leaves of aseriesvto'abut at middle re curved portion i blut 1.over1a`p `at remaining .shouldered portion, substantially-as shown.'

and described. i.

. attach themselvesthereto, substantiallyas shown and described.Y y

56.- Spring-leaves having a recur-ved recess at` their middle convex portion4 capable of clasping the tongue of a tread-band to rmly attach themselves thereto andof claspin g one another to form ay iiexible band ot oneV or i more series offspring-leaves, substantially as shown and described. r

57.` Spring-leaveshaving a recess at their middle convex or concave portion, which recessed middle portion is of lesser width than shouldered vremaining portion to permit edges of adjacent leaves of a series to abut at middle recessed portion but overlap at remaining l shouldered portion, substantially as shown and. described. v l., o f f 58. A flexible cover, for a tubular .spring or other tire, of unbroken-.transverse contour provided wi th an outwardly-projecting longitudinally-extending tongue at its outer rimcircumference having a recurvcd recess at its inner rim-circumference with its throat narrower than interior of recess caused by a thickening of material of said tongue enabling it to clasp a correspondingly-recurved rim band or tongue'of tire at rim and act as a packing between tire and rim of wheel, substantiallyas shown and described. f

' 59. AV sectional cover, for a tubular spring or othertire, provided with an outwardlyprojecting longitudinally-extending tongue at its outer rim-circumference having a -recurved recess at its inner rim-circumference with its throat narrower than vinterior of re- 'cess caused bya thickening of vmaterial of 'outwardly-projecting longitudinal tongue at its ou ter rim-circumference having a recurved tween tire and rim of wheel; which section may be divided longitudinally at its middle portion if desired, substantially as shown and described. u f

61 A exible cover, for a tubular spring or j ecting longitudinally-extendin g tongue at its outer rim-circumference having a recurved recess at its inner rim-circumference with its throat narrower than interior of recess caused by a thickening of material of said tongue enabling it to clasp a correspondingly-recurved rim band or tongue of tire atrim and act as a-packing between tire and rim of wheel, said Y tongue being divided longitudinallythrough its center to produce a cover open at rim, substantially as shown and described.

recess at its inner rim-circumference enabling it to clasp a correspondingly-recurved tongue at rim of said' tire and act as a packing be- 62. A 'iiexiblecover, for a tubular spring or i other tire, provided with a recurved inwardlyprojecting longitudinal ton gue at inner treadi circumference divided longitudinallythrou gh 'said tongue to produce'a cover open at tread, substantially as shown and described.V

63./ In a sectional cover, for a tubular spring I or other tire, provided with an inwardly-proj ecting longitudinal'tongue at its inner treadycircumference with recurved sides causedby a thickening of its solid material along its inner or lesser longitudinal periphery, and an outwardly-projecting longitudinally-extending tongue at its outer rim-circumference havy ing a4 recurved recess at its inner rim-circumferencewith its throat narrower than interior of recess caused by a thickening of material of said tongue enabling it to clasp a correspondingly-recurved tongue of a tire and act as a packing between tire and rim of `wheel, a section forming a longitudinall half of said cover, substantially as shown and described.

.v 64. A detachable bevel-gear device for'closrzo ing the ends of a tire, or other purpose, conr sisting of aboxing'inclosed within which lare geared three bevel-gear-headed shafts, twoof` simultaneously approach toward, or recede from, the boxing; together with a loose bevelgear placed opposite the thumb shaft to steady the other geared shafts, substantially as described.

G5. A bevel-gear device for closing the ends of a tire, or other purpose, consisting of a boxing inclosed within which, and completely housed byit, are geared two bevel-gear-headed shafts passing through adjacent sides of boxing which furnishes a bearing for their bevel-gear heads; the external portion of one of the shafts is threaded, the other solid or hollow shaft is provided with a thumb-piece or wrench which revolves the bevel-gearing and will cause a nut or other similarly-threaded object engaged on said bevel-gear-headed screw to approach toward, or recede from, the boxing,together with a loose bevel-gear placed opposite the thu mb-shaft to steady the other geared shafts, substantially as described.

66. A detachable bevel-gear device for closing the ends of a tire, or other purpose, consisting of a boxing inclosed within which are geared three bevel-gear-headed shafts, two of which pass through opposite sides of boxing which furnishes a bearing for their bevel-gear heads; the external portion of each of the two separate shafts is threaded the same; the third bevel-gear has a solid or hollow shaft that, passing through an intervening side of the boxing, is provided with a thumb-piece or wrench which revolves the bevelgearheaded screws, and will cause nuts or other similarly-threaded objects, engaged one on each of said bevel-gear-headed screws to simultaneously approach toward, or recede from, the boxing; said boxing being provided with oppositely and laterally projecting and longitudinally-extending flanges, substantially as described.

67. A ilexible outer cover for a tubularspring-tire orpneumatic-tire tube with ends, having the same outer periphery, provided with inwardly-projecting and transverselyextending shoulders forming :flanges adapted to abut continuously together, and a projecting band of Iiexible material attached to or made integral with one end of cover to form a telescoping band over which the ends of tire-cover abut, substantially as described.

68. A flexible outer cover for a tubularspring-tire or pneumatic-tire tube with ends, having the same outer periphery, provided with inwardly projectingland transverselyextending shoulders forming lianges adapted to abut continuously together, having embedded in, or made integral with, each of said ends a transverse band of suitable nonstretching material together with a projecting band of iiexible material attached to or made integral with one end of cover to form a telescoping band over which the ends of tire-cover abut, substantially as described.

69. A detachable tubular-tire or pneumatictire cover, of canvas or other suitable material, continuously open at rim with free ends adapted to abut together over a telescoping iiexible band attached to or made an integral part of one end, substantially as described.

'70. A detachable tubular-tire,orpneumatictire cover, of canvas or other suitable material, continuously open at rim, with free ends adapted to abut together over a telescoping flexible band attached to or made an integral part of one end, and provided with suitable means for adjustably attaching and securing together the edges at approximate ends, and

the ends at approximate edges, of said tire,

substantially as described.

71. A detachable tubulartire,or pneumatictire cover, of canvas or other suitable material, continuously open at rim, with free ends adapted to abut together, and provided with a iiexible open band at each approximate rim edge, substantially as described.

72. A detachable tubular-tire, or pneumatic-tire cover, of canvas or other suitable material, continuously open at rim, with free ends adapted to abut together, and provided with a reinforcement of material with a iiexible open band at approximate edges and ends, substantially as described.

73. In combination with a tubular-tire, or pneumatic-tire cover, having free ends adapted to abut together, one or more detachable rim-bands provided with means for regulating the amount of compression of material of tire or cover along said rim band or bands to secure an impact of material at tread on the complete transverse abutting contact of ends, substantially as described.

74. In combination with a tubular-tire, or pneumatic-tire cover, having free ends, one or more detachable rim-bands made attachable b v adj ustably securing ends of bands to ends of tire or cover to allow independent longitudinal movement of band and provided with means for regulating the amount of compression of material of tire or cover along said rim band or bands to secure a longitudinal impact or compression of material at tread on the inflation of tire or cover, substantially as described.

7 5. The combination of a tire or pneumatictire cover, having free ends, with a detachable rim-retaining band provided with an adjusting end plate at each end and each end plate, secured to an end of tire or cover, by acting as a sleeve being adapted to regulate the length of tire or cover at rim by 'being forced toward or away from the other along the said retaining-band together with means for securing said end plate to said retainingband when the tire is detached from the wheelrim and its ends are disengaged, substantially as shown and described.

7 6. The combination of a tire or pneumatic` tire cover, having free ends and continuously open at rim, with two independently-acting detachable rim-retaining bands, one within each rim edge, provided with an adjusting end plate at each end of said bands and each end plate, secured to an end of tire or cover IIO , gether With a detachable nut or :block at each at vits rim edge, by actingwasa sleeve beingA adapted to regulate` the length, of the tire or cover at its .rim by being` forced toward, or

awayfrom,.the other along the same retaining-band when the tire is detached from the- Wheel-rim and 'its en dsare disengaged, to-

end'of tire securing together laterally the end plates of eachend of tire or cover, substantially as shown and described.

77.7Iuanopen tire having free ends, the

combination of a detachable nut or block with y two laterally-placed adjusting end plates g` the nut or block being provided with lateral flanges and made attachable to each end plate by dovetailing, substantially as shown and described.

Y In a pneumatic tirethe combination of ,as shown and described.

an outer cover, of y,canvas i onotherV suitable l material, provided with free endsand oneor more detachable .rim-retainingbandsmade attachable by adjustablysecuring ends of; band to ends of cover to allow independent longitudinal movement of band, substantially 79. In combination with a tubularetire, or i a transversey iiexible band, preferably open at rim, ove1` which thel free ends; of tire or SOCRATES i SCHOLFIELD, WELCOME A. GREENE.-

pneumatic-tire cover, provided with free ends,.

cover are adapted lto abut,zsubstanti al1y asI described. p

I HENRY C. SHEARMAN: i y

' Witnesses: y 

